Braking problem - malfunctioning ABS

travisjb

trying to connect the theories... possible that as your brakes overheat, you're getting fade on inside front wheel and that wheel is therefore braking at a slower rate than the rest?

__________________
2009 370Z #104
*For Sale*

ChrisSlicks

I don't think the overall temperatures are high enough to induce pad fade but it is a theory I will investigate.

One thing that doesn't add up with that theory is that the brakes fully return after the car slows down to a slow speed the ABS computer apparently "exits" its ice-mode. There is also no pull or anything else that would indicate more braking for on one side or the other.

There is however a large temperature differential front to rear, so it is possible that the ratio of front braking force vs rear braking force exceeds the ABS computer parameters causing the event.

__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

ResIpsa

I will also confirm that after an ice mode event the brakes come back at 100% efficiency. If it was purely heat related I would expect some residual loss of braking following an ice mode event.

Also, I can confirm that during ice mode I never felt like the rear end was going to come around on me. Rather, the car just tracked straight ahead. This leads me to believe that whatever our ABS is doing is to create a heavily front biased brake condition. This of course would create a easily controlled straight slide (for anyone who does not know, too much rear brake bias creates a dangerous situation under braking whereby the rear of the car slides out much like a power slide under heavy acceleration).

Also, this "ice mode" problem is not limited to the 370Z. Google the term ice mode and brakes and you will be amazed at how many cars have the exact same problem.

My theory is that this is a result of ABS technology advancing faster than real world practicality. I imagine there is some algorithmic equation in our cars brain that decides it is better to allow the car to track in a straight line at a controllable 25% braking than to lock one wheel up or flip the car around.

__________________
The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/